New:

Nice to see your smiling face, Janet and thanks for the e mail!!!! I find that just writing on this Board is just what the doctored ordered.

Wendy, Welcome!
I did not find this site until about 2 years after my diagnosis, so I’m delighted you didn’t have to go through all the uncertainties I did alone. I live in northern Indiana, within an hour of Notre Dame. When I would look up things on the internet, it was difficult to find specific information about cc, and much of what was found was depressing, so I quit using the search and reading all the negativity. While I developed an extensive network of people who cared about me, most of them were learning from me rather than being able to address my questions and concerns of what was “normal” or what to expect. When I found this site, it was wonderful to read all the hints and suggestions and to know that I could ask anything I needed to. People will respond with understanding and insights because so many of us, though each unique, have been through so many similar situations. The web draws us together, making borders seem to disappear. This week, I learned that another person on this board works in the same city I do, so I think we’ll be meeting for lunch one day soon. The rarity of cc makes it unlikely that such a meeting would randomly happen but the planned meeting is almost a reunion, and fun, so I understand your desire to contact people you might actually meet face to face. It was such a delight to connect even a little with people who understand the fears, the pain, the uncertainty, the hopes, and especially the joy when we are blessed with good days that we used to take for granted. I do believe that you will begin to think of people all over the world as friends if you regularly read and even occassionally post on this site. Thanks for joining us.
Louise